Short Takes

Short Takes

January 09, 1989|By JILL POPISH KEECH Staff Writer

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Sam's Comics & Collectibles' owner Sam Jacobs has been ill lately, but we're glad to say he's doing better and spending a few hours a day at the shop or seeing customers by appointment. The store, which in April relocated to Newport News' Village Square Shopping Center, is a great place to find vintage treasures.

Jacobs did much of the interior of the new place himself, including putting up the paneling, dividers and walls. "I can't seem to stay away," says Jacobs, who admits he's working longer hours than he should.

The services he provides go far beyond his sales. The MIT engineering grad often can be found talking with kids who come into the store for advice on their science projects.

JUST LOOKING

Envelope-style toss pillows, bolsters and fluffy pillows to prop against your headboard can be found atop the bed in one of the upstairs rooms at Plantiques, 10377 Warwick Blvd., in Newport News' Hilton Village. Covered in crisp white organdy, cotton or linen, many of the pillows are trimmed with Battenberg or Cluny lace for an heirloom look.

Paper White, one of the labels carried, features shams that can be removed, hand-washed and ironed. Prices, which include the pillow and sham, vary according to size and decorative detail, ranging from $21 to $65. Large goose-feather pillows in queen, king or European square sizes sell for $54-$65. The shams are extra, costing $54-$73.

FOR WINE LOVERS

Roy Williams, who has his doctorate, is a chemistry professor at Old Dominion University. He also is a Newport News resident and a champion of Virginia wines. "There are a lot of wine clubs that discuss French wines and what's good. I'm just an advocate of Virginia wines," says Williams, who this semester will teach the nine-week ODU course "The Esensual Experience: an Introduction to Virginia Wines."

The course, which costs $125 and is good for one continuing education credit, starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday. There's still time to register by phone or in person at the class in Webb Center 103. The group will meet 7-9 or 9:30 p.m. alternate Tuesdays. For more information, call 683-5100 or 683-4091.

WORKSTYLE

"The church should have an influence on the community's cultural health."

- Robert Nance

Robert Nance, music director and organist at First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, says in his business, musicians need to be versed in many skills. "That's the only way you're going to be employed," says Nance, whose training includes keyboard, conducting and vocal coaching.

Apart from his full-time position at First Presbyterian, Nance is assistant director of the Virginia Choral Society, director of its Opus 2 chamber group and professor of conducting at Virginia Wesleyan College.

The activities keep Nance in touch with what's happening in music circles. "You get involved in something and find you need to learn a little more. You never stop learning."

Nance has First Presbyterian's blessing on his outside professional activities. He says that the church does its part to foster community involvement through its ecumenical music festival and young artists competition.